WNBA Commissioner’s own words prove she’s still missing the point

When WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told the media ahead of Game 1 of the finals that, in response to Napheesa Collier’s criticism, “we’ve exchanged texts and we’re talking next week,” she inadvertently laid bare the central problem between league leadership and its players. That reply, as well as other comments made during the press conference, comes off as transactional, distant, and completely tone-deaf. In a moment crying out for authenticity and responsiveness, it reveals just how far the WNBA office still remains from meaningful connection with its talent.

That lack of accountability and circling around questions in Engelbert’s press conference has already had dire consequences. Napheesa Collier has reportedly cancelled the meeting and relationship between her, the players that support her, and Engelbert is worse than ever.

The fracture between players and league leadership

This past week Napheesa Collier accused league leaders, including Engelbert, of being “tone-deaf” and dismissive, especially in handling officiating and player safety complaints. At her press conference, Engelbert denied certain allegations including her comments regarding Caitlin Clark, and said there were “inaccuracies” in media reports. She also acknowledged that players have expressed feeling undervalued, stating she is “disheartened” and that “if the players in the W don’t feel appreciated… we have to do better and I have to do better.” 

But acknowledging a gap is not the same as bridging it. The communication method Engelbert has chosen here—texting, especially only after Collier called out her lack of communication, and delaying a conversation with Collier—signals avoidance rather than true leadership. Meanwhile, Engelbert is under immense pressure to repair that trust with players while leading CBA negotiations. She also announced a “state of the game” committee intended to review officiating, inviting more player voice into league decisions, though those details remain vague. 

What would a good commissioner do in this moment? Start with immediate personal outreach to players. Texts are easy, but real conversations carry weight. Pick up the phone and be transparent instead of hiding behind “inaccuracies” or polished soundbites. Give players real power in decision-making rather than symbolic committees. Respond in real time, not a week later. And most importantly, build trust outside of crises through regular check-ins and genuine dialogue.

What would Adam Silver do?

To show just how far a commissioner can lean toward real connection, turn your gaze to the NBA and Adam Silver. Even in everyday functions, Silver and his team embed players into the process. During past CBA talks, players and union leaders described their role as genuine partners. Not just negotiators, but collaborators who have a say in shaping what matters. That kind of trust is what keeps players believing in the league and its leadership. 

Also illustrative is player sentiment. New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu said she’s had more “real conversations” with Silver in NBA settings than she’s ever had with Engelbert in her own league. That’s not just a jab, it’s symptomatic. Even critics often nod that Silver’s posture toward players is more conversational and less distant. In other words, he picks up the phone (metaphorically and literally) more often than the WNBA’s commissioner. He enters rooms and he listens to players' concerns. 

Engelbert has already shown a troubling gap between her office and the locker room. If she doesn’t step up and start bridging that divide immediately, the calls for her resignation will become a reality. The league can’t afford a commissioner who hides behind polished soundbites when players are demanding accountability. One way or another, the distance between Engelbert and her players will close. The only question is whether she’ll be the one to close it, or if the players will force that change themselves.